Keeper Scott shatters Windows' cup bid (From Bournemouth Echo)

Keeper Scott shatters Windows' cup bid

7:05pm Sunday 14th March 2010 in

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STOPPER Ben Scott was the Albany Athletic hero in their M A Hart Hayward Cup final win over Vienna Windows at Hurn Bridge.

The Holmwood Will Writing-sponsored match finished 1-1 after extra time with Albany lifting the trophy 4-2 on penalties.

The Division Four side’s goalkeeper Scott saved two spot kicks in the shoot-out and, when he saved Vienna’s penultimate penalty, his colleagues charged from the half way line to celebrate with him. Vienna Windows had previously won all their Hayward Saturday League Division Six, M A Hart Cup, and Hampshire Cup matches and they opened brightly with Tony West and Sam Cummings controlling midfield. Albany had a lucky escape in the eighth minute when Vienna striker Paul Barber burst through from the half-way line to chip the ball over the advancing keeper and only just over the bar.

Albany soaked up the pressure and then took the lead against the run of play in the 43rd minute.

A throw in was flicked on into the goalmouth and Dan Offley headed it over Vienna goalkeeper Stephen Marias and into the roof of the net.

They were only ahead for a minute, though, before Vienna equalised with an inswinging corner from the left by Danny Aitchison to the near post that took a deflection off Albany defender Sam Noar.

Then, on the stroke of half time, Barber hit the upright with a header after rising above the Albany defence to meet a cross at the near post. Albany raised their game after the break but the best chances continued to fall to Vienna.

Scott saved a shot on the turn from Sam Roberts on the hour and then a good through ball from West put Gary Cutler clear, but the Vienna substitute fired wide with just the keeper to beat.

With both defences holding firm, there were no opportunities for a decisive goal in extra time and it was always on the cards that the game would be decided on penalties.

<•>The Trophyman Man of the Match, chosen by BFA President Mike Fowler, was Vienna Windows midfielder Tony West.

<•>The Leading Goalscorer in the competition, sponsored by BFA President Mike Fowler, was Mark Pudney (Townsend Spartans FC) with seven goals.

Albany Athletic: Ben Scott, Jack Alderson, Sam Noar (Tony Gardiner, 110), David Manley, Peter Light, Mark Reynolds, Stuart Hartley, Dan Moody, Mike Reynolds, Iain Jarvie, Dan Offley (Sam Ray, 95).

Unused Substitutes: Ali Davis and Mihir Vithlani. Manager: Peter Hartley Vienna Windows: Stephen Marias, Ben Butler, Matthew Biddle, Sam Cummings, Simon Davies, Rob Pyle, Jamie Dawson (Rasim Uner, 71), Tony West, Paul Barber (Ben Sainsbury, 79), Danny Aitchison (Gary Cutler, 65), Sam Roberts. Unused Substitutes: Craig Poole and Will Morgan. Manager: Jordan Hiscock.